Although there's no one size fits all childbirth experience, most deliveries are influenced by the way you delivered your first child. Meaning, if your first baby came via Cesarean, your doctor is likely to recommend a repeat C-section. What is a repeat C-section, you may be wondering? Simply put, it's having more than one delivery by C-section.
Having had a repeat C-section myself, I understand all the emotions wrapped around preparing not just for the birth of your child, but also for surgery. Since I wasn't a candidate for a vaginal birth after cesarean (also known as VBAC), I needed to prepare for another trip to the operating room, and learn all I could about the procedure.
As with just about any surgical procedure, there are risks and benefits to a repeat C-section. To feel like an informed patient, you should consider all the information, then discuss your concerns with your care provider. This will give you some clarity on issues that have piqued your interest, as well as open the dialogue between you and your doctor about her approach to repeat C-sections. Doing this helped me to feel more prepared and relaxed as the date for my second delivery drew closer.
It's true what they say, that sometimes the devil you know is better that the one you don't. And when it comes to having babies, this saying rings true. According to Today's Parents, "women who’ve already had a Caesarean feel more confident about a repeat operation because they already know what to expect." I can identify with this — there's something about familiarity that makes you feel more in control. However, having a repeat C-section isn't all been there, done that. There are some risk factors to consider and be prepared for.
As Mayo Clinic reported, women who have more than one Cesarean delivery have some specific increased risks. For instance, the more C-section deliveries a woman has, the greater her chances for bladder injuries. Also, mothers are more likely to experience excessive bleeding and problems with the placenta when having a repeat C-section. However, there still is no bottom line on how many repeat C-sections are considered safe.
If you will be having your baby with a repeat Cesarean, keep in mind a few key factors for a speedy recovery. Moving around and eating well will help you regain your energy and set your body in motion to start the healing process, according to the website for Parents magazine. You'll also want to make sure you keep an eye on how your scar is healing and call your doctor if you notice anything odd, like swelling or liquid leaking out. And, as with any procedure, it never hurts to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
